BY RAJESH DHAR
JAMMU, Feb 10: Jammu & Kashmir’s stunning Ranji Trophy resurgence has electrified India’s domestic circuit, morphing a perennial underdog into a knockout-stage juggernaut. Gritty comebacks, match-winning knocks, and unyielding resolve—no longer flukes, but the fruits of a masterful blueprint fusing visionary leadership, merit-based selection, and relentless preparation. Spearheading this revolution is Mithun Manhas, former Director of Cricket Operations and Development at the JKCA and now BCCI president-elect, whose steady vision has forged consistency from chaos.
A J&K and Delhi Ranji stalwart with IPL pedigree, Manhas has nurtured a stable core of talent through unwavering continuity. “We’ve given consistent opportunities to promising players,” he said in a recent interview. By steadfastly backing promising stars like Shubham Khajuria, Yudhvir Singh, Aquib Nabi, Abdul Samad, Abid Mushtaq and Kanhaiya Wadhawan—alongside veterans and fresh talent—J&K has built unmatched depth and resilience. Ditching knee-jerk changes, this approach lets players mature under fire, converting raw potential into knockout heroics.
At its core lies a transparent selection process that eradicates favoritism and breeds trust. Selectors demand form, fitness, and team fit, with open trials inviting scrutiny. “Transparency builds confidence,” a team insider affirmed. This meritocracy unearths gems from Kashmir’s valleys to Jammu’s maidans, shattering logistical barriers and democratizing dreams in a challenging region.
The dressing room pulses with unity—a far cry from past divisions. Equal treatment for debutants and veterans alike fosters brotherhood, sidelining egos. “No one’s a star here; we’re a unit,” a senior player declared. Team-building drills cement this bond, fueling cohesion on seamers’ paradise or high-stakes chases.
Head Coach Ajay Sharma, a former India international and Delhi Ranji legend, wields tactical brilliance like a weapon. His philosophy hones adaptability and mental steel, transforming batting depth and bowling variations to conquer spin traps or pace duels. “Ajay sir, alongside Bowling Coach P. Krishna Kumar and Fielding Coach Dishant Yagnik, turns weaknesses into strengths,” a squad member quipped. Sharma’s pedigree shines in clutch moments, outfoxing fancied foes.
Captain Paras Dogra, a battle-hardened batsman with over 100 first-class games, leads by example. His cool-headed middle-order anchors and gritty hundreds steady collapsing innings, mentoring youth as the ultimate finisher. Dogra’s poise proves experience outshines flair in endurance-testing knockouts.
Administrators seal the blueprint with shrewd programming: over a dozen practice matches and exposure tours last season and this one simulate Ranji pressures and expose flaws early. “These aren’t just games; they’re classrooms,” said JKCA Member-Administration Brig Anil Gupta.
J&K’s saga is domestic cricket’s gold standard—relentless talent backing, wise selections, decisive leadership, exhaustive prep. As they hunt the title, this formula heralds not a flash in the pan, but a roaring legacy. In Ranji’s grind, J&K has cracked the code: solid foundations make underdogs unstoppable.
Wishing our team triumph over formidable Bengal in the semifinals—and glory in this season’s Ranji Trophy final!
